Clever ways to use honey that you may not have heard of

Honey is one of the oldest home remedies, with benefits of this golden nectar dating back over 5,000 years.

Not only is it a delicious sweetener that can last a lifetime, it also has many uses for health and cleaning that you may not have realised.

Here is a list of some clever ways to use honey:

1. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal

Honey can help relieve pain and heal tissues for all kinds of injuries due to its incredible anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. It also contains a key component, glucose oxidase, which is an enzyme which produces hydrogen peroxide. This is why honey has such powerful antibacterial and wound-healing capabilities.

2. Regulating blood sugar

The combination of fructose and glucose in honey helps our bodies regulate blood sugar levels. Some types of honey also have a low hypoglycaemic index, so they don’t spike your blood sugar.

3. Prevention of cancer and heart disease

The floral flavonoids in honey are said to contain carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties. These bioflavonoids (or antioxidants) are strong in defending the body’s cells.

4. Dandruff control

Diluted with some warm water, honey has shown to significantly improve seborrheic dermatitis, the scalp condition that causes dandruff. You should apply the solution every second day for four weeks for noticeable results.

You can also temporarily relieve itching or pain caused by dandrif by wetting your hair and applying the solution (90% honey 10% water). Massage it into your scalp for 2-3 minutes and leave it in for an hour before rinsing.

5. All round energy booster

If you are looking for a quick boost in your energy levels honey is the health and natural answer. Add it to your coffee or even on a slice of toast for a morning or mid-afternoon pick-me-up.

6. Bad breath

Bad breath can be embarrassing and unpleasant so try mixing ¼ cup of water with a teaspoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Gargle this mix for 2-3 minutes before spitting it out. This will draw bacteria out of your mouth and keep it fresh.

7. Relieve acid reflux

Raw honey is a great treatment to relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Consuming a tablespoon coats the lining of the oesophagus to provide relief of burning caused by acid reflux.

8. Natural cough syrup

Finally, a tasty cough syrup! Simply follow these steps:

Ingredients:
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup ginger root
• ¼ cup marshmallow root
• 1 tbs cinnamon
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup honey

Method:
1. Add water and dry ingredients to sauce pan and bring to boil, then reduce to simmer
2. Simmer until the volume is reduced by half
3. Pour through cheesecloth or strainer to remove herbs
4. When the liquid is warm but not boiling stir in the lemon juice and honey

Store this cough syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use when needed.

9. Insect bites

Mixing lemon juice and honey makes a natural anti-septic that is perfect for insect bites. The sugar in the honey kills microorganisms and the lemon works with it to prevent bacteria from taking over. These two ingredients can reduce swelling and itching associated with insect bites. For optimal results combine the juice of one lemon with two tablespoons of honey and spread on the affected area.

10. Reduction of ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders

Because of its anti-microbial agents and production of small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, honey can relieve some forms of gastritis. Manuka bush of New Zealand is said to be the most potent for antimicrobials. It is easily digested and absorbed by even the most sensitive stomach and a perfect way to stimulate the metabolism to ease defecation.

Will you try any of these?